Lincolnshire Coastline Becomes First National Nature Reserve in King Charles III's Accession Series
The Lincolnshire coastline has achieved a milestone by becoming the first in a series of natural reserves honouring the accession of King Charles III. There's aspiration that this designation will not only conserve vital wildlife habitat eternally but also promote eco-tourism.
National Nature Reserves Official Declaration
Government officials, environmental bodies, and council members gathered at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre for the official initiation of the new National Nature Reserves (NNR). Stretching for 33 km along the Lincolnshire coast, the reserve encompasses land from the terminus of Cleethorpes Beach to Mablethorpe’s Tide Bell, merging with reserves, MoD, and council-owned land such as Donna Nook, a well-known seal haven.
Beneficial Conservation and Sustainable Tourism
The newly minted Lincolnshire Coronation Coast NNR combines the pre-existing NNRs at Donna Nook and Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes, introducing an additional 2,250 hectares for nature safeguarding. Seven partners, including two councils, Natural England, the RSPB, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trusts, the Environment Agency, and the MoD, will collaborate for the reserve's effective management.
“With its sand dunes and salt marsh, our coastline is an internationally important landscape for wildlife,” said Cllr Philip Jackson, North East Lincolnshire Council leader. “We’re lucky to have it on our doorstep. The new National Nature Reserve provides an excellent opportunity for Cleethorpes to attract more visitors throughout the year and connect with nature."
Prospective Eco-tourism Impact
Cllr Jackson also touched upon the potential of the new NNR to bolster Cleethorpes' eco-tourism during his address to the assembled dignitaries. He extolled the £18.4m Levelling Up Fund allocated for actualising the town’s masterplan and the influx of private sector investment currently pouring into Cleethorpes.
Preserving Wildlife and Nature
According to Cllr Jackson, the NNR extends from North East Lincolnshire to the entire Lincolnshire coast, thereby advancing wildlife and nature conservation. He emphasised the pivotal role of ecotourism in benefiting the coastal resort while expressing plans of attracting visitors, specifically from the Midlands, to enjoy the reserve.
Nature Recovery Nationwide
The New NNR is dedicated to protecting the remarkable diversity of habitats present, highlighted by Tony Juniper, the Chair of Natural England. He stated that this marked a momentous transition in the approach from conserving nature to restoration nationwide, with economic advantages.
"It’s there for everybody to enjoy in perpetuity,” Juniper told the press. "It adds to the rich tapestry of conservation projects that stretch from the Humber to the Wash,” added Cllr Colin Davie, Lincolnshire County Council’s executive member for the environment and economy.
Unique Wildlife and Habitat Features
The Lincolnshire Coronation Coast NNR, the first of the 25 in King's Series and the ninth largest among the NNRs, has five priority habitats with distinctive wildlife ranging from seals to the rare Marsh Moth, found only in Lincolnshire.
Willing Landowners and the NNR
Unlike other designations, an NNR always requires willing landowners to dedicate the land for nature conservation forever, as remarked by Ben Le Bas, principal advisor on NNRs to Natural England, about the Lincolnshire Coronation Coast NNR.